Violence against women leaves NW Baltimore community on edge

Three victims attacked within mile of each other, police say

A northwest Baltimore neighborhood is on edge after three horrific crimes against women. The crimes prompted an emergency community meeting on Tuesday night at the Zeta Center on Reisterstown Road. All three incidents happened within roughly a mile of each other and remain unsolved.

All three incidents happened within roughly a mile of each other and remain unsolved. Baltimore police Commissioner Kevin Davis and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake worked at the meeting to help ease the fears of residents, especially senior citizens, who have been targeted in several high-profile crimes in recent weeks.

Two of the three most recently reported crimes in northwest Baltimore targeted seniors and police said the details behind the crimes are getting even more shocking.

This includes the death of Mary Hines. The 90-year-old died last month in the hospital after being beaten during a home invasion May 4 on Garden Drive.

During Tuesday's meeting, Davis provided additional details about her case that made those in attendance gasp.

"We found out from the medical examiner's office that Ms. Hines was sexually assaulted," Davis said.

Davis and Rawlings-Blake promised those at Tuesday's meeting that they are working hard to solve the cases.

"As the daughter of an 80-year-old (mother) my heart goes out to the families because I know how vulnerable our senior are," Rawlings-Blake said.

Some residents at the meeting said the recent violence makes them question whether they want to still live in the city.

"Before I said I would stay, but now I don't know if I'm going to stay or go because I really need to feel comfortable and safe," northwest Baltimore resident Ella Scovens said.

As for the two sexual assaults, Davis said his investigators don't know if they are connected, but investigators have forensic evidence from both crimes.

What they don't have is much help from community leads on potential suspects.

"At the moment we have zero (Metro) Crime Stoppers tips, zero," Davis said. "When these crimes remain unsolved the anxiety tends to stay at a heightened level. So for me I bet you that phone starts ringing tomorrow."

Even after the meeting, residents remained concerned about crime.

"We have to be able to protect and defend ourselves and that's why I said what I had to say about establishing citizens on patrol," resident Leo Burroughs said.